Performance (Conducting), MM

Program Overview

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Through individual mentorship, significant podium time, and a comprehensive curriculum, students refine their conducting skills, develop leadership abilities, and prepare for professional careers in the performing arts.

Program Outline

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Location:

Tempe

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Degree Awarded:

Master of Music (MM)

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Overview:

This program is designed for aspiring conductors who wish to refine their skills and artistry in conducting orchestras, wind bands, and vocal ensembles. It provides individual mentorship from experienced faculty and opportunities for significant podium time with instrumental or choral ensembles.

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Objectives:

• Enhance conducting skills and technique.
• Develop strong leadership and rehearsal techniques.
• Improve interpretation and score study abilities.
• Gain experience in audience development and outreach.
• Prepare for professional and academic career aspirations.

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Program Description:

The program offers four tracks to cater to different specializations:

• Wind Band: Students receive individual指導 from the director of bands, participate in chamber winds classes, and work closely with other conducting faculty.
• Orchestral: Students focus on orchestral conducting through specific courses and electives.
• Music Direction: Students learn music theatre and opera conducting techniques, with a focus on rehearsal techniques, technical production, and repertoire.
• Choral: Students develop their individual artistic voice through a curriculum that explores culturally responsive applications, decolonial pedagogies, global score study, and interdisciplinary framing of gesture.
All students receive significant podium time and work closely with faculty for personalized mentorship.

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Outline:

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Structure:

The program requires the completion of 32 credit hours, including a written comprehensive exam.

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Coursework:

• Required Core (4 credit hours): MUP 527 Studio Instruction (4)
• Concentration (7 credit hours):
• MUP 596 Solo Performance (1)
• MUP 597 Solo Performance (1)
• Choose 5 credit hours from the following:
• MUE 564 Instrumental Music, Advanced Rehearsal Techniques (3)
• MUP 540 Principles of Integrated Conducting (2)
• MUP 551 Repertoire: Music Theatre Repertoire (2)
• MUP 571 Music Theatre: Workshops (2)
• MUP 573 Music Theatre: Performance (1)
• Track (9 or 10 credit hours):
• Wind Band, Orchestral, Music Direction, or Choral track courses as specified by the chosen track.
• Other Studies in Music (11 or 12 credit hours):
• 6 credit hours of MHL coursework
• 5 to 6 credit hours of MTC coursework
• Culminating Experience (0 credit hours):
However, the program description and course descriptions provide a general overview of the content covered in each track.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Individual and group performances
• Rehearsals and conducting demonstrations
• Written assignments and projects
• Comprehensive written exam
• Faculty feedback and evaluation

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Assessment Criteria:

• Technical proficiency in conducting
• Musical interpretation and expression
• Leadership and communication skills
• Repertoire knowledge
• Score analysis and preparation
• Ability to motivate and inspire musicians

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Individual and group instruction
• Masterclasses and workshops
• Performance opportunities
• Observation and feedback from faculty
• Collaboration with other musicians

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Faculty:

The program is led by experienced faculty members with extensive backgrounds in conducting and music education.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Orchestra conductor
• Wind band conductor
• Choral conductor
• Music director
• Music educator
• Arts administrator
• Performer

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in various settings, including:

• Performing arts organizations
• Schools and universities
• Community music programs
• Music festivals
• Orchestras and ensembles

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Other:

• Students with a bachelor's degree in music are not required for admission.
• Remedial courses may be required for students without a music background.
• Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required for all new graduate music students.
• Students select a track from the following: choral, wind band, orchestral or music direction.
• The other studies in music requirement includes six credit hours of MHL coursework and five to six credit hours of MTC coursework.
• Track credit hours may include electives depending on course selections.
• A bachelor's degree in music is not required for admission to a master's program.
• However, all applicants without a bachelor's degree in music should contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for information on potential remedial courses.
• Remedial courses may be taken at ASU, another accredited university, or a community college before or after admission to this program, but they must be completed prior to starting graduate-level course requirements in music history and music theory.
• After an applicant's complete application materials have been received, including recommendation letters, transcripts and English proficiency requirements, and a review has been conducted of prescreening materials, the applicant may be invited for a live audition.